Page 663 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

FINLAND  661

Traveling by Bus
Helsinki. Travel from North cruises are all available from
America to Helsinki usually Buses in rural areas are the TourExpert office. Taxis are
involves connecting flights infrequent (but reliable), while an expensive way of getting
(changing in Greenland or intercity buses are fast and around; ask the driver for an
in Europe) but Finnair efficient. Long-distance journeys idea of the cost before you
flies direct from New York are very time- consuming, so it is embark on your journey.
to Helsinki. worth considering the relatively Finland’s island-hopping
inexpensive domestic flights. passenger motorcruisers are
a fun form of transportation,
Arriving by Sea giving a real taste of relaxed
Traveling by Car
The luxury ferries that ply the Finnish summer living.
waters between Stockholm in Car rental has come down in If you plan to visit several
Sweden and the Finnish ports cost since Finland joined the attractions, it is worth investing
of Helsinki and Turku have a EU. Even so, car hire using the in a Helsinki Card (available from
reputation for offering a state- main international agencies is the Helsinki City Tourist Office
of-the-art cruising experience. still pricey. Europcar offers some and from most hotels). Valid
The superliners – operated by of the more reasonable rates. for one, two, or three days, the
Tallink Silja Line and Viking Laws about driving under the Card gives unlimited travel on
Line – take about 17 hours to influence of alcohol are strict public transportation and on
make the crossing, which allows and rigidly enforced, as are some ferries, reductions on
plenty of time for passengers speed restrictions. Elk and some theater, dance, and opera
to enjoy shopping, entertain- reindeer are a serious road tickets, and free admission to
ment, and the celebrated danger, so do pay attention all major Helsinki sights and
smörgåsbord buffets. to animal hazard signs. nearly 50 museums. Other
benefits include reductions
on sightseeing tours and on
Rail Travel Getting Around Helsinki goods in some shops.
Finland’s national rail network Helsinki is manageable on Another option is the Helsinki
is run by the State Railroads foot or by bicycle, but buses, City Transport tourist ticket,
of Finland (Valtion Rautatiet trams, and the metro provide which entitles you to unlimited
or VR). Finnish trains are reliable easy alternatives. The number 2 travel on all buses, trams, the
and clean. Advance tram circles central Helsinki, metro, and local trains in Helsinki.
reservations are recommended stopping at several important The ticket is valid for one,
for long-distance, intercity (IC), sights. Bear in mind that this line three, or five days and is
and some express (EP) trains. In changes its name to number 3 available at all Helsinki City
Helsinki, tickets can be bought halfway through its route. Transport (HKL) points and
at Helsinki Central Station. Cycle tours, city walks, and tourist offices.
DIRECTORY
Tourist Helsinki City Tourist Emergencies Viking Line
Information Office Tel 0600-415 77.
Pohjoisesplanadi 19, Ambulance, Police, ∑ vikingline.fi
Finnish Tourist Board FIN-00099 Helsinki. and Fire
Tel 09-3101 3300. Rail Travel
∑ mek.fi ∑ visithelsinki.fi Tel 112.
∑ visitfinland.com Air Travel Helsinki Central
Embassies Station
Finland Tel 0600-41 902
Porkkalankatu 1, Canada Finnair or 09-2319 2902.
Tel 0600-140 140.
FI-00181 Helsinki. Pohjoisesplanadi 25b, ∑ vr.fi
Helsinki. Tel 0870-241 4411 (UK).
Tel 010-605 8000.
Tel 09-228 530. Tel 800-950 5000 (US). Car Rental
UK ∑ dfait-maeci.gc.ca ∑ finnair.com
PO Box 33213, UK Vantaa Airport Avis
London W6 8JX. Itäinen Puistotie 17, Tel 0200-14636. Tel 010-436 2200.
Tel 020-8001 0101. Helsinki. ∑ helsinkivantaa.fi Budget
Tel 09-2286 5100. ∑
US britishembassy.gov.uk Ferry Services Tel 02-0746 6600.
PO Box 4649, Grand US Europcar
Central Station, Itäinen Puistotie 14a, Tallink Silja Line Tel 0200-121 54.
New York, NY 10163. Helsinki. Tel 09-616 250. Tel 0600-157 00. Hertz
Tel 212-885 9700. ∑ usembassy.fi ∑ tallinksilja.com Tel 020-555 2000.

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